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Jazz for aficionados

Jazz for aficionados

I'm going to review records in my collection, and you'll be able to decide if they're worthy of your collection. These records are what I consider "must haves" for any jazz aficionado, and would be found in their collections. I wont review any record that's not on CD, nor will I review any record if the CD is markedly inferior. Fortunately, I only found 1 case where the CD was markedly inferior to the record.

Our first album is "Moanin" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. We have Lee Morgan , trumpet; Benney Golson, tenor sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Jymie merrit, bass; Art Blakey, drums.

The title tune "Moanin" is by Bobby Timmons, it conveys the emotion of the title like no other tune I've ever heard, even better than any words could ever convey. This music pictures a person whose down to his last nickel, and all he can do is "moan".

"Along Came Betty" is a tune by Benny Golson, it reminds me of a Betty I once knew. She was gorgeous with a jazzy personality, and she moved smooth and easy, just like this tune. Somebody find me a time machine! Maybe you knew a Betty.

While the rest of the music is just fine, those are my favorite tunes. Why don't you share your, "must have" jazz albums with us.

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10
frogman
4,637 posts
 
If there is a jazz musician that deserves more recognition and deserves the “underground” mythical reputation that he has it is Ira Sullivan.  A product of the Chicago jazz scene of the ‘50s he moved to and remained in South Florida and somewhat out of the limelight, but continued to record as leader and as sideman.  A bebopper at heart he nevertheless evolved with the changing jazz times as credibly as anyone.  He is a freakishly accomplished multi instrumentalist who sounds at home on all the saxophones, flutes, trumpet and flugelhorn.  Amazing! 

One of my favorite flugelhorn players.  Co-leader with Red Rodney:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sFHLhSIIzsQ

On trumpet:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KQDYZfik1iA

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h5M9uXHBoaU

On flute:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R5lThkdIa80

On tenor:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yxSFknFSWuw

As leader on trumpet and baritone (!):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2CTcSt9ozZc

One of the most beautiful soprano saxophone sounds:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oor_XcIrUmg

Did I mention that I like this guy’s playing?  😊

orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

That record, "The Breeze and I", by Joe Diorio, and Ira Sullivan, had one of the most beautiful versions of "I Wish You Love" I've ever heard. If it's available, I'll get it.

I like Red Rodney's "Star Eyes" as well; is that available?

Ira Sullivan's "Jitterbug Waltz" made me think of another version;


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C6GgL4T9W8


orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Crwindy, somehow my statement in regard to your post on Shirley Horne didn't come out quite right. I hope it didn't discourage you.

As you can see we're a free wheeling bunch; some of us are playing my game, others are submitting Christmas music, we even have some New Orleans blues; so just jump in with whatever you feel comfortable.
pryso
1,501 posts
 
Wow, stay away for a few hours (I normally only visit once a day) and now so much to comment on.  Good show guys!

First I must clarify that I don't consider most drum solos to "suck", I merely fail to find them interesting.  They don't add anything to the story of the tune as frogman so aptly describes.  I agree with adding many bass solos to this rant.  And luckily I never heard that jerk in Florida. ;^)

Then rok, thanks for that link.  As expected Wynton and his band really swung.  But I would call that a "percussion" solo rather than a drum solo.

o10, yes, Miles is nearly always identified in just the first few notes.  But unless someone heard that version of "'Round Midnight" I doubt they would guess the tune by the intro.  But at 0:30, five notes and every jazz fan should know!

frog, I have that album by Sullivan and Rodney -- good stuff.  Now how many know the story when Red Rodney was in Charlie Parker's band, when they toured the south he was called "Albino Red" since mixed groups were not allowed to perform together or stay at the same hotel in many places?
pryso
1,501 posts
 
frog, forgot to mention I had no idea Sullivan was so versatile and talented.  I'd only heard him on trumpet and flugelhorn.  Thanks for all those additional links.
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